Sacred Places

The two lighter shades pillars mark the additional part of the church.

My husband and I love to travel and when we do, we add a pilgrimage of our faith in our itinerary. So aside from getting to famous crowded tourists spots, we go church visits. Thankful for the gift of safe travels and thankful for the opportunity to see the world.

So last weekend, I decided to visit churches listed and included in the Open House Chicago event. I narrowed the list to five and in remaining with my religion.

Before I bring you to these beautiful places, let me talk about Open House Chicago. It a free to public event that allows locals and tourists and enthusiasts to see inside the buildings usually closed to the public. Chicago is a diverse community with interesting history and people and most of all, beautiful buildings both old and new alike. It is an annual two day event. This is my first year to be part of it and it is definitely not the last.

Thus, my short list. Well, I was only available to do it in one day. Already looking forward to next year and will be quite ready for it.

My husband was out of town so I ended up going alone for this pilgrimage. But before I started, I stopped by the Emil Bach House. A Prairie-style architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright which you can rent overnight for a nice price. They said it is rarely open for the public and it is one of the last standing old house in the neighborhood. Mostly of the interior is replica of the original but our tour guide explained that it still holds true to the form as its first day.

Finally, the rain stopped and it started to get warmer then I was off to see the churches in my list. 

First, Our Lady of Lourdes which is known literally as the "moving church". The entire church was rotated about 90 degrees to accommodate road widening and while they were at it, it was cut halfway to add about 30-foot section to accommodate its growing members. Inside the church you will also find a replica of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes as she appeared to Saint Bernadette. You will also find beautiful art windows.

Painting above the altar depicts Mother Mary's Apparition

Second, St. Mary of the Lake Church is so grand and pretty. It totally surprised me. They designed it similar to churches we see in Europe. Plus, our priest guide was very informative and funny.

Third, National Shrine of St. Frances is the most modern church in my list. Grand and marble were my first impressions. As I continue to walk inside, I saw small intimate arrangement around a beautiful altar.

Fourth, St. Nicholas was modeled after 11th-century Ukrainian churches. Its vibrant colors make this church a sight to see. Its dramatic rooftop and chandelier will intrigue you to see what else it is ready to show you in every corner.

Fifth and last, Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica is in a run down area of Chicago. While driving towards it, I felt sad anticipating an old church and poorly taken cared of. To my surprise, it was beautiful and it was big. I felt embarrassed by my assumption. I felt like it was meant to be my last stop of the day so I can just take it slow, sit and pray.

I was happy that I made the choice to visits these sacred places and take part of what Chicago has to offer. It was an adventure as well as spiritual for me. I learned a lot of the place I call home and I am excited to see what else is out there for me to discover and see.

May it will inspire you to learn more about your community and what activities they have for you and your family. May it inspire your faith and visit other place of worship.